For fans of the Eagles, the loss of founding member Glenn Frey in 2016 was a devastating blow. But in a touching twist of fate, his son, Deacon Frey, stepped in to keep the music alive. At just 24 years old, Deacon joined the band in 2017 and toured with Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit for several years—playing his father’s songs and standing in his place. Fans saw it as a beautiful gesture of legacy and healing.
But in 2022, Deacon suddenly left the band. The official statement at the time was brief and vague: “Deacon Frey is stepping away to pursue his own path.” Fans speculated, but no one knew the full story—until now.
In a rare interview published earlier this year, Deacon finally opened up:
“I tried my best to honor my dad, but the truth is—it was hard. Every night I had to sing his songs and look at fans expecting him. It felt like I was trying to fill shoes that can’t be filled.”
He added,
“Don [Henley] was kind, but it was clear that this wasn’t my journey. I needed to find who I was without living in the shadow of Glenn Frey.”
Deacon also revealed that while there was no direct falling out, the atmosphere was never the same after his father’s passing. The pressure to carry the weight of Glenn’s legacy took a silent toll on him. “It felt like I was playing someone else’s part in someone else’s dream,” he said.
Today, Deacon is pursuing his own music—writing songs that reflect his voice, not just his father’s. Fans who once applauded his courage in joining the Eagles now applaud his bravery in leaving.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful way to honor someone’s legacy… is to let go.